New sushi spots pop up constantly in Columbia—some sleek omakase counters or a casual izakaya with a patio just opened down the street this very second. Some are classics, but each intimate sushi bar and lively restaurant with a weathered sake list is reliable for anniversary dinners, post-work celebrations, or a quiet nigiri moment. This is your definitive guide to Columbia’s best sushi bars.
Sakura Japanese Restaurant
$ | (803) 776-4747 | WEBSITE
The inside of Sakura Japanese Restaurant, a hidden gem in Columbia, whisks you away to Japan with its authentic decor and warm lighting. Come by during dinner and order the outstanding tuna or salmon sushi, watch the owner—a true master of the craft—prepare your meal with precision. The kitchen offers top-notch Japanese cuisine, from the delicious chicken teriyaki to the exceptional shrimp tempura. And if you need a sweet finish, don’t miss the mochi that’s almost art.
Camon Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (803) 254-5400 | WEBSITE
Camon is part authentic sushi, part tranquil retreat, and serves up dozens of expertly crafted rolls every evening. Everything is happening at this cozy Japanese spot: regulars savoring the delicate nigiri with traditional wasabi, newcomers discovering the flavorful Lifesaver and Camon II rolls, and couples sharing plates of vegetable and shrimp tempura in the warm lighting.
The intimate space is so filled with the sweet owner, talented sushi chef, and guests enjoying refreshing green tea that Camon actually feels more peaceful as the night goes on, with the sliding door creating a calm escape from the outside world.
Miyo’s at Columbiana Drive ___ M Kitchen
$$ | (803) 764-0558 | WEBSITE
Every city needs a reliable sushi spot with fresh fish, attentive servers, and an atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming. For Columbia, that’s Miyo’s at Columbiana Drive M Kitchen. Patrons flow through the beautifully appointed dining room every evening with a sense of relaxed anticipation. Most are there for the celebrated salmon and chicken dishes.
Some come specifically for the garlic green beans and hot and sour soup, some exist solely as fried rice enthusiasts hoping for perfection, and some don’t know they’re about to discover their new favorite Thai basil with chicken. But everyone enjoys the high-quality, delicious food all the same.
Tsunami Sushi Restaurant
$$ | (803) 312-9911 | WEBSITE
If a classic sushi bar were a Southern gentleman, it would probably be Tsunami. Oozing class and making for great conversation, choosing this Columbia spot lets anyone know you are in the mood for fresh rolls or want to drop reasonable cash on California Rolls with eel and trays of tempura vegetables and shrimp. While most of the dishes here are takes on standards, each one is served with attention to freshness without the need for any flashy presentation or ridiculous garnishes.
Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi
$$ | (803) 740-3238 | WEBSITE
Much like a well-crafted roll, Hanabi packs a lot of flavor into its welcoming dining room. Plus, it serves some of the best sushi in Columbia. Stop by any evening for fresh nigiri and sashimi for around $12–$18—or $8.88 during lunch specials—and more elaborate specialty rolls for no more than $22. The menu here spans from classic hibachi meals with generous portions that chefs will prepare tableside to creative sushi combinations with perfectly seasoned rice.
Hanabi operates with a come-as-you-are hospitality, where neighborhood regulars and anyone looking for a memorable meal can relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere without any distracting noise.
M Vista
$ | (803) 255-8878 | WEBSITE
Nearly everyone else here is watching the kitchen, so you probably should be, too. The sushi bar M Vista is great not only for its vast menu and fresh offerings, but also for the visible kitchen energy, welcoming bartender presence, and being altogether delicious and satisfying. Whether you sit at the bar, a table, or near the action, service is always top-notch and attentive.
Trade bites over Kung Pao Tofu, slowly savor the Mongolian Beef with onions or Carolina Fried Rice, or order the Hong Kong Fried Rice with shrimp and pineapple for something special with someone you want to share a meal with.
Inakaya Watanabe
$$ | (803) 750-9392 | WEBSITE
Inakaya Watanabe in Columbia is what happens when you fuse a traditional sushi bar, a master chef’s passion project, and a cozy neighborhood gem into a single harmonious experience. You could just as easily sit at the counter and watch Mr. Watanabe work his knife magic all night, but you could also dive into the Sushi Supreme that showcases his phenomenal skill. Or become a regular while you savor the chicken teriyaki bento with its tender meat and perfectly cooked rice.
Enjoy incredibly fresh fish, delicious rolls, and that small, intimate atmosphere that makes every visit special. At the same time, you appreciate the friendly, helpful staff and realize why many call this the best sushi in town—well worth every dollar for such an amazing, welcoming experience.
SUMO SUSHI & HIBACHI
$ | (803) 661-8486 | WEBSITE
This sushi and hibachi spot in Columbia knows how to deliver a solid meal without breaking the bank. You’ll find every kind of diner here, from the hibachi enthusiasts who love the sizzling show to the sushi regulars grabbing a quick lunch to the family celebrating a birthday at a big table. The consistently popular restaurant also serves reliably good food, like the reasonably priced hibachi dishes or the sometimes-hit, sometimes-miss sushi rolls.
Bring a date, your friend, or, heck, even your kids without feeling out of place.
Sato Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (803) 782-1064 | WEBSITE
Sato Japanese Restaurant stands as the venerable grandparent of Columbia’s sushi scene. Worn, familiar, and still reliably satisfying. Hibachi chefs perform with theatrical flair and manage to be both brusque and attentive. They master every traditional teppanyaki technique, plus specials featuring everything from Thursday night steak combos to fresh sushi rolls. Open for years, Sato fills up with just about every local crowd imaginable.
Birthday celebration families, college students splurging on the $25.99 special, regulars comparing hibachi chefs, special occasion couples, and a few folks who seem daunted by the extensive menu options.
Tokyo Grill Hardscrabble
$ | (803) 851-5383 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Grill Hardscrabble might look like a typical hibachi spot, but inside, the dining room feels like a cozy, modern Japanese tavern. Decked out with warm wood accents, soft lighting, and clean, minimalist décor, Tokyo Grill blurs the line between casual and refined. The service is attentive and efficient, but you don’t feel rushed. Everyone, including the chefs, is focused, accommodating, and ready to modify orders perfectly.
We like to grab a seat at the hibachi grill and watch the chefs prepare hot and ready food in a timely manner or snag a booth and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Sushi & Hibachi To Go
$ | (803) 400-0988 | WEBSITE
Find Sushi & Hibachi To Go by spotting a small storefront with a spacious parking lot in Columbia. Pull in and head inside for some of the most affordable—and friendly—sushi in town. The menu here offers variety, but there is also a buy-one-get-one-free deal on specialty sushi. And the owners combine every single order with personal attention delivered in record time. It is also one of the only spots with vegetarian options and a convenient stop-and-go atmosphere.
Sakitumi Grill and Sushi Bar
$$ | (803) 931-0700 | WEBSITE
Sakitumi Grill and Sushi Bar has been serving fresh sushi and cocktails to Columbia crowds for years. In true elevated pub style, Sakitumi consists of a clean space with a lively sushi bar surrounded by comfortable booths and tables (that means a laid-back vibe, folks). Most evenings, guests here are relaxing with unique cocktails while watching old music videos on the screens, enjoying standout rolls like the Kazimoto and Raptor, or trying non-sushi options from the menu.
Stop by here solo for a reasonably priced dinner, with a date for a special night out, or gather friends for some peanut butter pie and attentive service from the friendly staff.
Freshe Poke
$ | (803) 724-2943 | WEBSITE
This Columbia poke spot is 90% takeout. That’s not ideal when you’re craving a sit-down meal, but the good news is that you can experience Freshe Poke in several ways. Grab a massive bowl at the counter with over a dozen fresh ingredients, settle into one of the spacious dining tables with some ramen, or take your bubble tea to go. There isn’t really a bad option on the impressively varied menu.
But come prepared for generous portions because the bowls are highly satisfying, especially with the spicy sauces.
Tokyo buffet
$ | (803) 798-7288 | WEBSITE
Written somewhere is the understanding that any buffet in Columbia requires sesame chicken and fried rice. Built to resemble a basic Asian eatery, Tokyo Buffet offers generous portions of both, along with a cafeteria-style setup for quick service. Most days, anyone who craves comfort food hits up the buffet for teriyaki chicken and noodles, navigates the lukewarm options that exist, or fills up on whatever basic dishes are appealing.
The lunch runs $11.99, and there is good parking space available. As long as drinks are kept full, there is not much to complain about—it’s a cozy, decent spot where the food color pops and the flavors hit right, even if the quality is just mediocre. For those looking to get filled up without fuss, this restaurant does the job.